Author Kirsi Tanner
A total of 16 employee profiles were created during the EU-co-funded MERIT project’s spring and autumn 2025 online workshops for industry workers and at the Saimaa Event Laboratory, four of which represented people with an immigrant background, which is an increasingly familiar sight in the industry. All profiles were validated during the autumn, as workshop participants either recognized the profiles as describing people they were familiar with or even found themselves in the profiles.
What Makes Work Meaningful Today?
Employee profiles show that meaningful work is not just about pay or tasks – it is about a sense of belonging, appreciation and the opportunity to make a difference. A sense of community and the feeling that your work is seen and appreciated are key motivational factors.
From safari guides in Lapland to hotel receptionists in Southern Finland, today’s employees find meaning in:
- Human connection: Whether it’s creating unforgettable experiences for tourists or supporting colleagues, relationships are central to job satisfaction.
- Personal growth: Employees value opportunities to learn, develop skills, and take on new challenges. Many express a desire to influence their work and contribute to something bigger.
- Recognition and trust: Feeling seen, heard, and appreciated is a recurring theme. Employees thrive when their contributions are acknowledged and their voices matter.
- Purpose-driven work: Jobs that align with personal values—such as sustainability, education, or cultural promotion—are especially fulfilling.
What Organizations Can Learn
To build meaningful employee experiences now and in the future, organizations should actively listen to understand the diverse needs, motivations, and frustrations of their employees. It is equally important to support autonomy and agency, enabling individuals to shape their roles, contribute ideas, and grow professionally.
Fostering a sense of community helps create inclusive environments where people feel connected and valued. Finally, aligning work with purpose allows employees to see how their efforts contribute to a broader mission, whether local or global.
Conclusion
Meaningful work is not defined by titles or tasks alone—it’s about impact, connection, and growth. As we move toward future, the most successful organizations will be those that treat employees not just as workers, but as co-creators of a better future.
The materials for the English-language workshops can be found on MERIT’s homepage under the section EN, see Workpackage 3. In English – Merkityksellinen työ
Author
Kirsi Tanner
Faculty of Business and Media, Tampere University of Applied Sciences